5 Tips for Bringing the Spa to You

Imagine this:

rolling out of bed in the morning, giving yourself a good stretch, walking through your bedroom to the living room to find…

another bed waiting for you!  This one is dressed in the coziest of linens, sweet scents of lavender waft in the breeze of the fan, while light hums of flutes fill the room, and standing in the midst of it all is… your trusty, and always reliable, massage therapist.  

Of course you’re awake, you had that great big stretch when you got out of bed!  This isn’t a dream, rather how we should treat ourselves every once in awhile (regular intervals of at least six weeks, in my professional opinion).

Sound good so far??  Well, keep reading to discover the simple steps for turning that oasis into a reality.

1.   Find a Reputable Mobile Massage Therapy Service.  Google search keywords such as “Mobile Massage Therapy” or “In Home Massage, [Tampa]“.  Take a look at the websites you find.  In Florida, us Licensed Massage Therapists are required by law to display our license number on all advertisements.  An individual’s number will begin with “MA” followed by some numbers, while an establishment’s will begin “MM”.  Like with any personal service (doctor, hair stylist, psychiatrist, etc.) it’s probably best to pick up the phone and call to get a feel for the person providing the service.  If they answer in what sounds like a whirlwind of a chicken with it’s head cut off, that therapist may not have the kind of soothing personality or level of professionalism you want when hiring for a job in your home.
2. After booking the session, find a good nook.  Determine a good space in your home for the massage table.  Most of the time moving furniture is unnecessary, and thankfully so, you DID plan this to be relaxing, instead of another chore that requires you to work, right?!  Any space that could provide room enough for about a twin size bed.  Most portable massage tables and therapists need approximately an 8x4ft area.
3. Relax and Relate.  A professional therapist will bring everything she/he needs and will be glad to set it all up in the space you’ve chosen.  Relax, they’re used to setting up their mobile spa and packing it all up after an hour of so.  If you want to do something offer them some water, although they probably brought their own.  And just like going to the spa, you will need to fill out information about your health, current and some background, because in some states, like Florida, massage therapists are regulated health care providers responsible for your safety.  The best way to ensure a spa-like retreat at home is to be honest about medical conditions as well as your preferences in terms of pressure, technique, aromatherapy oil, skin allergies, etc.
4. Set up then Lay Down.  Once the massage table is set and your intake information has been reviewed, it’s time to take it to the next level…getting on the table.  The therapist will tell you to begin either face-up or face-down.  They will step out of the room, and may go wash their hands, while you disrobe to your level of comfort.  Take off as much or as little as you would like.  When you get on the table you will be between the sheets and you will remain “draped” at all times, meaning your private parts will always stay private and covered by the sheets.
5. Imagine It’s YOUR Time.  The massage therapist is there to provide a service that should leave you feeling better after the session than before they started.  The time is YOURS to relax.  You are not responsible for entertaining the therapist by constant conversation, just like you are not paying them to tell you their life story.  When one’s mind is caught up in keeping the conversation going the mind and body are missing valuable benefits from the peace found in getting quiet.  For some clients a little chatting can help release any lingering nerves about the whole process.  After the first few minutes, if your therapist is still just giving you an “uh-huh” or “hmmm” than they are limiting their response in an effort to limit your mental activity.  I LOVE it when my client on the table “falls” into that space between sleep and awake…that’s when I feel like we’ve found the zone.  Of course, if something hurts in a bad way, tell the therapist immediately.  It is YOUR time, so don’t be shy, it’s your right and as a client to receive a massage that leaves you feeling aahhhh-lright.

Now you have the know-how, so what are ya waiting for?!  Get Google-ing.  You’ve got to call the therapist and book the appointment for the oasis to pop up at your address (otherwise, I’m sure it would be Breaking and Entering or some other crime for the therapist to set up shop without you first making the plans).  Seriously.  Go get someone to take care of you.